Pan’s Mushroom Jerky – Original Mushroom Jerky (Review #2)

It all started out with Michael visiting family in Borneo, Malaysia in 2007. Little did Michael know that there was a recipe in his family for over 30 years. Michael’s family in Malaysia are vegetarian Buddhists, and found mushroom jerky to be the perfect alternative to meat, with its meaty like texture. Michael knew that his family had something special that had to be shared with the rest of the world. After a lot of testing, Pan’s Mushroom Jerky was officially launched in 2008. All current four flavors are vegan certified, gluten-free, and mostly use organic ingredients. Pan’s Mushroom Jerky is distributed by Panco Foods LLC, and they are located in Portland, Oregon.

The next review on Pan’s Mushroom Jerky will focus on a 2.2 ounce/62 gram bag of their Original flavored mushroom jerky. We had previously reviewed this Original flavor before, where the bag design and ingredient list has since changed. This Original flavor is described as made with shiitake mushrooms, using simple ingredients to create a slightly sweet and blissfully umami flavor. The jerky bag was graciously submitted for review by the Owner, Michael Pan.

Ingredient Review

These organic shiitake mushrooms are a good source of protein, fiber, antioxidants, and are cholesterol free. Mushrooms are a great source (other than the sun) for vitamin D, and are high on the minerals iron and selenium.

The liquid marinade is comprised of water and super healthy avocado oil, which contains beneficial fats. Organic chia seeds are high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber, and especially omega 3 fats.

The sugar level is somewhat high at around 5 grams of sugar per 30 grams of jerky to lose a rating. In fairness, organic coconut sugar is the main sweetener used here. Our preference is 3 grams of sugar or less per 28 grams of jerky. Mushrooms contain small amounts of healthy natural sugars. The salt level is respectable at around 250mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky.

Taste Review

This mushroom delicacy opens up with a wonderful aroma that is only surpassed by its amazing flavor. We were unanimous Pan’s Mushroom Jerky just keeps getting better and better every time. All of the flavors are subtle and delicate, each complements the taste of mushroom to perfection while building up and creating a harmonious flavor profile. The gentle saltiness and light sweetness accentuate these flavors and the Chia seeds bring a slight nuttiness to the concerto. The avocado oil does a great job of carrying all these delicate and delectable flavors while also nicely improving the mushroom texture.

These mushrooms are cut small and thick; they are shaped like small morsels or little bundles of joy. These pieces are soft and chewy and will leave a little oily residue on the fingers.

The Shitake mushrooms and their great flavor really shine. This mushroom jerky is simple, flavorful and it is exactly how an Original flavor should taste. We were unable to find any technical issues with this flavor, as it is a Show Stopper and definitely a cut well above most other mushroom jerky. This wonderful flavor and its texture make this mushroom treat insanely addictive and kicked up to notches unknown to mankind.

The Pan’s Mushroom Jerky Original Mushroom Jerky easily earns an Excellent (10/10) taste rating where I would be fine with 20/10 if I could. I devoured my portion in record time and I almost lost a few fingers in the process.

Bag Review

This resealable plastic bag has everything imprinted on the bag itself, both on the front and back. There are no labels affixed to this bag. Displayed is a graphic of mushrooms, where appropriately the transparent window is the shape of a mushroom.

Some slogans printed on this bag are “Made With Shiitake Mushrooms” and “No Meat. No Soy. Just ‘Shrooms”. Some facts printed on this bag are “Gluten Free”, “Rich In Vitamin D”, “High in Fiber”, and “Cholesterol Free”. There are a number of stamps printed such as “Certified Paleo”, “Cholesterol Free”, “High Fiber”, “Excellent Source of Vitamin D”, and “Certified Vegan”.

All bag categories are covered with this bag. There is a good blurb printed on the back about Pan’s Mushroom Jerky. You are encourage to follow Pan’s Mushroom Jerky on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest, where their @mushroomjerky social media handle is provided.